Less Than Truckload

Don’t need a whole truck? We can help with that.

Less Than Truckload (LTL) or Partial Truckload

Don’t have a full truckload to ship? That’s not a problem. TurnStone transportation experts will provide you with the consulting you need to meet your requirements and determine the most feasible, cost-effective solution for your LTL or partial truckload freight. We will provide a customized solution that meets your time constraints and caters to your commodity.

How does LTL work?

LTL shipping typically operates on a hub and spoke model where local terminals are the spokes and larger central terminals are the hubs or distribution centers.

What is LTL?

Less than truckload freight shipping (LTL) is used for the transportation of small freight or when freight doesn’t require the use of an entire trailer. This shipping method can be used when freight weighs between 150 and 15,000 pounds.

When shipping LTL, the shipper pays for the portion of a standard truck trailer their freight occupies, while other shippers and their shipments fill the unoccupied space. LTL shipping benefits include reduced costs, increased security, and tracking.

LTL shipping rates can fluctuate and are determined by location, dimensions, mode, and the type of commodity.

Less than truckload shipping is ideal for business who have freight under 15,000 pounds and don not require a full trailer.

What’s the difference between LTL and FTL?

Freight that does not require the entire space of a truck is known as LTL shipping, whereas full truckload shipments take up the space or weight limit of an entire trailer.

What is Partial Truckload?

Partial truckload is a freight mode for large shipments that may not require the use of a full truckload trailer. It falls between LTL and full truckload, typically involving shipments over 5,000 pounds or 6 or more pallets. Partial truckload shipments do not require a freight class in order to secure a rate, involve less handling, and result in faster transit times. Partial truckload benefit from allowing the freight to stay on one truck for the duration of transit resulting in faster transit times and less handling. Partial Truckload freight is ideal for loads that are light but take up a lot of space.